THE NEW TIGUAN

09 June 2017

Text/Photos : Volkswagen Group Singapore

Singapore, 10 Jan 2017 – It is a great all-rounder with distinctive styling, redefining its class and confidently pointing the way to the future. The new Tiguan is the first sport utility vehicle to be based on the modular transverse matrix (MQB), and it sets new standards in design, comfort and functionality.

Positioning and design

With the new Tiguan, Volkswagen redefines many aspects of the A-SUV segment, impressing with ride comfort and innovation that are on a level beyond its class. Perfectly thought out from the first to the last millimetre, it appeals to millions of car drivers and their families as a spacious and flexible companion for their everyday business and personal lives – an all-round vehicle of a new era.

The new Tiguan is the first SUV based on the modular transverse matrix (MQB) – this allows for a dynamic synthesis of design, comfort and functionality. The proportions of the new Tiguan were made to be significantly more dynamic (including lower body, longer wheelbase and larger wheels) and its overall package was improved. The MQB gave Volkswagen designers a new platform that provided the perfect framework for this all-new SUV. The sharpness of the vehicle’s lines show solidarity and precision, and its LED projection headlights deliver 10 per cent better lighting performance compared to halogen headlights.

In perfect harmony with the expressive exterior is an interior designed to combine excellent space and flexibility of use, allowing for superb comfort under all road conditions. Based on numerous new design solutions, the interior takes up the same SUV design language, and is made more compelling than ever.

Innovative safety technologies and assistance systems are integrated as standard. This includes Front Assist with City Emergency Braking, proactive occupant protection, and an active bonnet to help safeguard pedestrians and cyclists. The Tiguan is not a crossover between different worlds – rather, it has created its own new and authentic SUV world. This makes it one of the key product pillars of the Volkswagen line-up.

Efficient drivetrains

Two direct injection turbocharged TSI engines are available on the new Tiguan, with power outputs of 110kW / 150 PS and 162 kW / 220 PS. They are more powerful and more fuel-efficient than the comparable EU5 engines of the previous model, with the 150 PS engine having the Active Cylinder Management system (ACT). Both engines are also equipped with a stop-start system and a regenerative braking mode.

Top marks in Euro NCAP tests

The new Tiguan passed the comprehensive Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) test series with outstanding results –thanks to its first-class package of safety features, including optimised vehicle body structure, a highly effective safety belt, seat and airbag combination and innovative driver assistance systems. Despite the tougher conditions of this year’s tests, it was awarded the top rating of five stars, aggregated from the results in four sub-sections: occupant protection for adults and children, pedestrian protection and driver assistance systems. This makes the new Tiguan one of Europe’s safest cars.

Versions and equipment

At launch, the Tiguan Highline 280 TSI will be offered to customers in Singapore. It is powered by a 150 PS TSI engine with 250Nm of torque, and comes with front wheel drive.

In the following weeks, buyers looking for an even higher level of performance can opt for the Tiguan R-Line 380 TSI with 4MOTION, which has the 220 PS TSI engine with 350Nm of torque under its bonnet. This model also gains extra equipment such as the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Dynamic Chassis Control system (DCC) and ‘Dynaudio Excite Surround’ sound system.

IN DETAIL – The exterior

New design language makes Tiguan more dynamic than ever

The designers, led by Klaus Bischoff, had one simple ethos: less is more. This theory was the guiding factor in creating the unmistakable SUV profile of the new Tiguan – it combines striking proportions with a clear commitment to sophistication and presence. This is demonstrated through details such as the horizontally aligned unit formed by the radiator grille and headlights, and a higher waist line compared to the previous model.

The SUV design of the new Tiguan was completely reconfigured in this new generation, heralding a completely new design character for its SUVs. With its new vehicle architecture, the Tiguan is now longer, wider and lower, thereby enabling sportier proportions. The design of the new Tiguan has also garnered it the 2016 iF Design Award – the trophy is one of the world’s most important design awards and is regarded as a recognised hallmark of excellent product design.

Dimensions and design details

The proportions of the Tiguan give it a powerful stance on the road. There is a 33 mm reduction in height to 1,632 mm, and at 4,486 mm in length, it is 60 mm longer than its predecessor. The wheelbase was also extended to 2,681 mm – a gain of 77 mm. This creates a look that stirs the emotions. With a 30 mm growth in width to 1,839 mm, combined with the visual effect of the radiator grille and headlights being aligned horizontally, the front end of the new Tiguan has a significantly wider look. The unmistakable SUV of the new Tiguan radiates power, confidence and control.

Each line of the Tiguan has a logical purpose. In the concise bumper, the “V” of the bonnet is mirror-inverted into an “A”. The vertical lines all point outward, thereby emphasizing the width and power of the Tiguan. The side profile of the Tiguan is extremely distinctive as well, with the character line being one of the most concise design characteristics of the new Tiguan. This reflects the great creativity of the designers and the equally great know-how of the production specialist at Volkswagen.

For the first time, the character line is executed twice on the car. Beneath the upper line, a horizontal surface follows as a break, and then there is the second line. This “line dialogue” emphasises the sculpturally flared and therefore powerful looking wheel arches and the shoulder section. In contrast to the previous model, the area above the character line is a flatter and thereby more elegant band of side windows. This band extends into the dynamically angled D-pillars, and all-round visibility was also further improved based on the newly conceptualised roof pillars.

The lateral character line becomes a defining rear element above the rear lights. The line defines the upper border of the standard LED rear lights in an extremely precise and sharp manner. The lights with their three-dimensional design also show a sharp horizontal cut. This cut continues as a line between the rear lights and forms a trailing edge that is important for aerodynamics. Another style-defining feature is that the entire area between the horizontal cut and the load sill forms a rectangular, horizontally aligned surface that underscores the width of the Tiguan, and also gives the car an unmistakable look when viewed from the rear.

Weight reduction and aerodynamics improvement

The new Tiguan is the first SUV in the Volkswagen line-up based on the modular transverse matrix (MQB). It harnesses synergies across vehicle segments such as progress in weight reduction measures. As such, the weight of the Tiguan was reduced by over 50 kg compared to the previous model with Euro-5 engines.

The Cd figure of the new Tiguan was reduced as well, thanks to numerous aerodynamic improvements. One example is the newly designed door mirrors. By means of wind tunnel testing and airflow simulations, the shape of the mirror housings were improved to such an extent that their share of overall air drag was reduced by 40%. The underbody concept has also been optimised. These, and other measures, enabled a 0.048 improvement in the vehicle’s Cd figure to 0.31. This aerodynamic improvement accounts for a 4 g/km improvement in CO2 emissions, and allows the Tiguan as an SUV to measure up to conventional passenger cars.

IN DETAIL – The interior

More room, safety and comfort in one dynamic package

The interior of the Tiguan, which has also been fully reconfigured, shows a decidedly sporty and yet conscious SUV character. Space and flexibility of use is combined to give superb comfort under all road conditions, bringing together equal measures of elegance and ruggedness. The new model has made significant gains compared with the already comfortable previous model, from the larger interior – in which high-quality materials form a harmonious unit together with the completely redesigned cockpit – to the flexible and capacious boot space. The overall impression is of a carefully thought-out and much more sophisticated vehicle.

Dimensions, operation, design details

The cockpit of the Tiguan has been designed with the comfort of the driver in mind. The dash panel and the centre console form a single stylistic element, with high-quality decorative inserts and a precisely fitted frame lending a touch of class. The leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel provides both form and function, and feels great to the touch.

New to the compact class is the Active Info Display, familiar from the Passat, and now with SUV-specific instruments. In combination with the display of the infotainment system, this creates a virtual, flexible human-machine interface (HMI) whose displays complement one another. Navigation is now made even easier with the new retractable Head-Up Display – this glass panel with laser-etched texturing is integrated into the dashboard and can be called up at the touch of a button. Relevant driver information such as driving speed, the currently relevant speed limit, direction arrows for navigation and indicators for the driver assistance systems are projected directly onto the combiner display and thereby into the driver’s primary line of sight.

With an interior 26 mm longer than the previous generation, the new Tiguan is now one of the most spacious cars in its class. Despite its lower overall height, the vehicle has an ergonomic design that offers more headroom. And seat height, which occupants consider so very important, was raised 8 mm in the new Tiguan. Ride comfort is further enhanced at the rear, where up to three passengers can now enjoy 29 mm more knee room. The car also offers a sliding rear bench that was optimised to permit 180 mm of adjustment – 20 mm more than in the previous model. When the rear bench is slid forwards, the boot offers 615 litres of space, which is a gain of 145 litres. This means that the new Tiguan can easily handle all of the equipment for any outdoor trip. When the rear bench is folded, the vehicle’s 1,655 litres of boot volume is enough for all manner of large loads.

The overall weight of the Tiguan has been reduced as well, despite a significant lengthening of its overall dimensions. This is achieved through lightweight design measures such as “tailored blanks” – the load-optimised thickening of sheet metal blanks. In addition, optimising the rear portal and the cross members between the rear wheel housings made the body much stiffer, despite a significant lengthening of 77 mm in the critical zone between the A and C pillars. The rear hatch was also enlarged compared with the previous model.

Nonetheless, the important parameter of torsional rigidity is optimised in the new Tiguan. At 25,000 Nm/degree with the panoramic roof, the figures for the new Tiguan surpass those of the previous model. Customers directly benefit in terms of better ride comfort and greater safety.

As a final flourish, a large panoramic sunroof provides plenty of light for all passengers on demand, with LED lighting integrated along both sides. Coupled with ambient lighting, this illuminates the cabin in moments of darkness, giving a welcoming feel.

Superior interior comfort

The front seat structure, whose weight has been reduced substantially, is being used for the first time at Volkswagen in the new Tiguan. Weight savings of 20 per cent have been achieved by the new design approaches that utilise innovative materials and production methods. In addition, the wires that are woven in a meandering pattern in the seat surface help to achieve light springing – and thereby an improvement in comfort, especially on uneven driving surfaces.

The Pure Air Climatronic 3-zone air-conditioning system is available on the Tiguan as well. Clean, allergen-free air is made possible with the air quality sensor with allergen filter preventing hazardous materials from entering the car’s interior. Sun and humidity sensors help to achieve optimal climate control in the interior and regulate air humidity, thereby reducing the incidence of window fogging. This is a technology that is unique worldwide and is so far only used by Volkswagen.

Infotainment

The latest generation of infotainment has been integrated into the new Tiguan. On the Tiguan Highline 280 TSI, a new generation of the “Composition Media” system with an 8-inch colour touchscreen offers excellent visibility with intuitive handling. The ‘Discover Pro’ infotainment system is found on the Tiguan R-Line 380 TSI, which is accompanied by the 400-watt ‘Dynaudio Excite Surround’ system. This consists of a digital 10-channel amplifier, subwoofer and centre speaker integrated in the cockpit, delivering top-notch audio. The latest App-Connect smartphone connectivity features is available on both infotainment systems, offering the MirrorLink, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay services.

IN DETAIL – Running gear

EU6-compliant engines are up to 24 percent more fuel efficient

Compared to the previous model with Euro-5 engines, the four-cylinder engines in the new Tiguan are up to 24 per cent more fuel-efficient. This is achieved through a turbocharger, direct injection, start-stop system and battery regeneration, promising increased dynamic performance with improved economy. The dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) on the Tiguan has either six or seven speeds. In both DSG versions the dual clutches run wet in an oil bath.

With the 150 PS TSI engine, the Tiguan accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 9.2 seconds, yet consumes just 6.2 litres of petrol per 100 km in the combined driving cycle. The 220 PS model is even faster with a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds, and its consumption figure is a mere 7.8 L/100km.

Available for the first time in Singapore is the Active Cylinder Management (ACT) technology, which is standard on the Tiguan Highline 280 TSI. When the Tiguan is in cruising mode, the middle cylinders are automatically deactivated through adjustment of the camshafts. This keeps the inlet and outlet valves of the middle cylinders closed, and fuel injection is shut off, thereby reducing fuel consumption and improving overall fuel economy. Driving dynamics are therefore maintained, while fuel is saved nonetheless. The imperceptible activation and deactivation of the cylinders is also shown on the multi-function display.

The new 4MOTION Active Control debuts on the new Tiguan, allowing drivers to experience all-wheel drive technology like never before. The ground clearance is 11 mm higher compared to the previous generation, and offers added safety in adverse weather conditions. The driving profile selector is now operated via a rotary switch, with four precisely tailored settings are available for various types of terrain and driving styles – fuel-efficient Eco mode, Normal mode day-to-day driving, Comfort mode to minimise vibrations or dynamic Sport mode. The system interacts with the hill-start assist, the hill descent assist, the Electronic Stabilisation Programme and the electronic differential lock. Depending on the selected profile, drivetrain characteristics such as accelerator response, gear shifts, engine brake, hill-start assist and locking assistance are modified. This is standard on the Tiguan R-Line 380 TSI.

Setting new safety standards

Thanks to the MQB, features such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Front Assist with City Emergency Braking, and an active engine bonnet are now available on the Tiguan. With technologies including a multi-collision brake and proactive occupant protection system, risk is minimised for all occupants of the vehicle in the event of collisions. The safety equipment is completed by a network of seven airbags, including a knee airbag on the driver’s side – this sets standards, and not only in the A-SUV segment.

The new Tiguan has also achieved an excellent result for child safety in the Euro NCAP tests. In 2016, new child dummies were used for the assessment for the first time. With the standard ISOFIX and Top Tether child seat anchors, including safety belt tensioners on the second row of seats, children are very well protected in the event of any frontal or side impact. As such, the new Tiguan was accorded 84 per cent of the possible points total in the category of child safety.

The active engine bonnet reduces the risk of injury to pedestrians and cyclists. When contact is made with the bumper, a sensor strip triggers a pyrotechnic actuator that lifts the rear edge of the bonnet around 50 mm within 22 milliseconds. This increases the distance between the hard engine components and the relatively flexible bonnet. In turn, it reduces the risk of serious head injuries. A higher level of safety is thus provided for both vehicle occupants and pedestrians, exceeding the Euro NCAP requirements to secure the maximum 5-star rating.

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